An optimisation model for regional integrated solid waste management I. Model formulation

Abstract

Increased environmental concerns and the emphasis on material and energy recovery are gradually changing the orientation of MSW management and planning. In this context, the application of optimisation techniques have been introduced to design the least cost solid waste management systems, considering the variety of management processes. This study presents a model that was developed and applied to serve as a solid waste decision support system for MSW management taking into account both socio-economic and environmental considerations. The model accounts for solid waste generation rates, composition, collection, treatment, disposal as well as potential environmental impacts of various MSW management techniques. The model follows a linear programming formulation with the framework of dynamic optimisation. The model can serve as a tool to evaluate various MSW management alternatives and obtain the optimal combination of technologies for the handling, treatment and disposal of MSW in an economic and environmentally sustainable way. The sensitivity of various waste management policies will be also addressed. The work is presented in a series of two papers: (I) model formulation, and (II) model application and sensitivity analysis.

A methodology for optimal MSW management, with an application in the waste transportation of Attica Region, Greece

“…Najm et al, 2002), adapted, as in the present paper, to the requirements of the particular problem considered.…”

Solid waste management in European countries: A review of systems analysis techniques

“…With such a tool, every community can tailor its own unique system to manage various components of the waste streams in a flexible manner (Najm et al, 2002). Yet how to smooth out the barriers toward achieving appropriate systems synthesis and integration of the five systems engineering models and the nine system assessment tools to aid in solid waste management practices in European countries remains somewhat uncertain.…”

Waste management with recourse: An inexact dynamic programming model containing fuzzy boundary intervals in objectives and constraints

“…Along with increasing environmental concerns and the emphasis on material and energy recovery, the perspective of municipal solid waste (MSW) management has gradually changed from open dumping to controlled landfilling and then to an integrated management system (Najm et al, 2002;Moy et al, 2008;Azam et al, 2009). In an integrated solid waste management system, a combination of techniques and programs are employed to manage the waste stream under the considerations of environmental protection and resource recovery.…”